take a stab at — to attempt or try something, especially when uncertain of success
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to attempt or try something, especially when uncertain of success
Pronunciation (IPA): /teɪk ə stæb æt/
Example Sentences
- Even though I'm terrible at karaoke, I'll take a stab at singing your favorite song.
- Let me take a stab at guessing your password... is it 'password123'?
- I have no experience with plumbing, but I'll take a stab at fixing the leak.
take a stab at
VERB[/teɪk ə stæb æt/]
to attempt or try something, especially when uncertain of success
Nervous but curious, he decided to take a stab at pottery for the first time.
Take a stab at it in the lab, check every tab!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase originates from the literal meaning of 'stab' (to pierce with a pointed weapon). It evolved metaphorically from the image of striking blindly in darkness without certainty, capturing the sense of making an uncertain or tentative attempt. The expression is a shortened form of the earlier 'take a stab in the dark'.
Breakdown
take (attempt, undertake) + stab (a thrust or piercing action, used metaphorically for an uncertain try) + at (directed toward, targeted at).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Even though I'm terrible at karaoke, I'll take a stab at singing your favorite song.”
“Let me take a stab at guessing your password... is it 'password123'?”
“I have no experience with plumbing, but I'll take a stab at fixing the leak.”
“Why don't you take a stab at explaining quantum physics to a 5-year-old?”
📚Related Words
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